Side lamp arranged for beam and turn indication



June 4, 12400 c. A. MKGHEL SIDE LAMP ARRANGED FOR BEAM AND TURI Y INDICATION Filed Oct. 24;, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet l 1%"??5 P3 ,ez l 5 i 24 Elma/rm June 4, 1940. c. .A. MICHEL 2,,23,52

SIDE LAMP ARRANGED FOR BEAM AND TURN INDICATION Filed Oct. 24, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 1940} I Y c. A mama. 23 0352 SIDE LAMP ARRANGED FOR BEAM AND TUBE INDICATION Filed Oct. 24, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 g5 I (if/ Q6666? Q 727.22%! I n 4, 194% c. A. MHQHEL Q E SIDE LAMP ARRANGED FOR BEAM AND TURN INDICATION Filad Qc. 24, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented June 4, 1940 UNITED STATES,

SIDE LAIJIP ARRANGED FOR BEAM AND TURN INDICATION Clarence A. Michel, Anderson, Ind., assignor to General Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a. corporation of Delaware 1 Application October 24, 1936, Serial No. 101,320

1 Claim.

This invention relates to indicating and signalling means and more particularly to electrical circuits used in connection with directional signals and indicators making use of a two-filament bulb in the side or fender lamps of a vehicle. The indicating and signalling means of my invention makes use of indicator lights in the side or fender lamps adapted to burn with upper or lower beams of headlamps or combinations thereof, and means to give direction signals at the side or fender lights and if desired at the rear of the vehicle. The indicator lights also act as side marker lights along with the headlamp beams to indicate to approaching drivers the width of the vehicle.

In the operation of a vehicle it is desirable for I the operator to have some means of conveniently signalling to others that the vehicle is about to turn to the right or left. Such signal preferably should be visible to others in either the front or rear of the vehicle. My invention contemplates the use of a visible signal, preferably of the flasher variety, by means of rear lamps and also by means of side or fender lamps for giving turn signals. In combination with this signalling means I provide means at the side of the vehicle and visible by the driver for indicating energiza tion of certain of the beam-producing headlight filaments, said means being preferably associated with the turn .signalling means at the side or fender lamps and acting as side marker lights and indicating the width of the vehicle to approaching drivers.

My direction signalling means and indicating means may be used in various lighting arrangements or combinations to indicate with desired headlamp beams or rays. For example, if desired the headlamps may be arranged in the conventional or symmetrical manner as by having means to provide an upper or driving beam, and a lower beam which may be used for city driving or when approaching other vehicles. My directional signalling and indicating means may be incorporated in such a headlamp lighting circuit as will become apparent as the description proceeds.

The means of my invention may also be incorporated with the asymmetric type of headlamp lighting circuit as described in the body of the specification in order to provide a means at the side of the vehicle for indicating desired beam arrangements. In combination-with the indicating means I provide a means for signalling an intention of the operator to turn the vehicle in either direction.

One important feature of my invention is the use of a two filament bulb in the side lamps of the vehicle for signalling and indicating purposes.

Other features of my invention reside in the specific combinations and arrangements of parts and circuits as will become more apparent as the description proceeds. Reference is herein made to the drawings forming a portion of this specification, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates, somewhat diagrammatical 1y, a symmetrical headlamp lighting circuit and circuit for directional signals and indicator lights in. one form of my invention.

Figure 2 is a view generally similar to'Figure 1 of an indicating and signalling means in connection with a three-beam asymmetrical headlamp lighting system. I

Figure 3 illustrates, somewhat diagrammatically, a headlamp circuit similar to Figure l in which the indicational and directional signals are changed with respect to filaments as compared with Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a view generally similar to Figure 2, the indicational and directional signals being changed with respect to filaments.

Figure 5 illustrates an asymmetrical threebeam headlight circuit in which a selector switch and a four point switch are used in conjunction with the directional and indicator signalling means.

Figure 6 shows the headlamp circuits arranged so that either conventional or asymmetric beam arrangements may be had by moving the switches to different switch positions, in combination with means for giving directional signals and means for side indication.

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of the device of my invention in which a four point foot or other switch and a selector switch are used in conjunction with an asymmetrical three-beam headlamp circuit and the directional and indicator signalling means, the indicational and directional signals being changed with respect to filaments as compared with Figure 5.

Figure 8 illustrates an arrangement generally similar to Figure 6 in which the signalling and indicating means are combined with. headlamp circuits, so that either conventional or asymmetric arrangements of the beams may be obtained.

In the several figures of the drawings A represents conventionally an ammeter in the circuit from a battery B or other source of electrical energy grounded to the frame or other portion ill ofthe vehicle. (2, Cl are fuses in circuits leading from the battery to a main switch 8 and to a signalling switch Si respectively. Each oi the switches S and Si may he located in any convenient position as, for example, the dash or steering column of the vehicle. it miesirecl the switch Si may be automatically operated by the movement oi the steering mechanism.

Eech switch S has a position i in which an electrical connection is with the source of electrical energy and with the minor iilaments G, ll of the bulbs or the two siolc lamps anal L2. Each lamp is grounoleol at any convenient position on the vehicle. By means of the cir= cults just described the minor filament oi each bulb in the side lamps may act as a parking light when none is provicleri in the rnainheacllamps and l'n aclolitlon, the ininor'hlarnents oi" the sicle indicator lamp bulbs may, by the use of other connections, act as a source oi siole in-= cation along with headlamp beains.

ni jor filaments 6, 6 of the side indicator or ienolcl lamp bulbs are adapted to act as a source of "urn indication by means of an elec= trical circuit to the inciicetor or signalling switch ill, switch being connected with the source of electrical energy hear to: signalling lights at PA which is the right hand ancl L 1 which is the left hand light. -i clesirecl an arrow or pointer be usecl in conjunction w th the siole anal rear indicating lights in order to signal the intention of the operator to turn the vehicle in either direction.

Switch Si in each of the figures has a right signalling position i and a left signalling posh tion 8. in position i the right hand rear signal lamp R6 end the major filament of the right side lamp R2 will be connecteclto a flasher F and indicator hulb G which in turn are connected to the source oi electrical energy 125. in position 8, lamps LG and L2 will be similarly connected to the flasher F and indicating bulb'G as shown. if desired, a plurality oi the flasher F and in= dicating loulbs G may he provirleol as shown in Figure 2. I

In Figure l of the drawings with the switch S in position 2 as indicated, the battery E5 or other source of electrical energy is connected by means of the circuit 9, iii, M, it with the filaments L, L in the two head-lamps RS and L3. The filaments L, L are aolapteol to give a lower or tilt beam for city driving or for meeting other cars. By depressing switch $3 the filaments U, U or those furnishing the main or upper beam will be connected by the circuit b, it, i5, it with the switch S and thus to battery B. Switch St is preferably a foot operated switch or, if desired, a hand operated switch may be used. The several filaments oi the headlamps are grounded to the frame of the vehicle which completes the headlamp lighting circuits.

With switch S3 in the position it indicated in Figure 1 the minor filaments i, t of the bulbs of the side indicator lamps will give a side indication along with the lower or tilt ray or beam of the headlamps by means of the relay it anclv circuit ill, 20, 2t, 22 and 23. If desired the por-- tion it of the circuit may be connected at the rightof switch S3 instead of the left as shown in Figure l, and the minor filaments t, i will then give a side indication in either position of switch S3 and hence with eitliei beam arrangement of the front headlamps.

With switch S in position i in Figure l, the

minor filaments t. 4 will be supplied with power by means or circuit 24, 22 and 2! and thus act as parking lights. The relay it will open and block a current feed back when switch 8 is ln position it.

By means of switch St the flasher signal is adapt/eel to indicate a right or left turn at the rear and side iainps as desired. by the operator.

major filament S of the side lamp bulb in lamp R2 will be energized from battery B by means of the circuit including the altimeter ii, the flasher ole-vice i ancl indicating bulh G, switch SI. circuit elements ll, 571 anol Gl'. When switch Si is in position 9 elements 56, 58 and complete the circuits from saicl switch to lamps L4 and L2 as will be apparent from Figure l.

in ft the major filaments O, 6 and rear lights are connecterl by means of electrical circuits ancl switch means S0 to the battery or electric power source B as in. Figure l. A separate flasher ancl indicator bullo G are shown in each oi the separate circuits ll. Ol anol t6, 59 from the switch Si to the right and left sis larnps respectively. A single fresher and indicator bulb connected as in l ig= ui'e l he desired.

l-By means of selector switch S6, switch anol switch S and associated circuits, an asymmetric three=beam lighting circuit is prowiliecl. Switches is anal SQ may convenientlv be arranged a single switch ii cleslreri.

in the asymmetric lighting system of the hind shown three combinations or arrangements oi the headlamp beams are provided for. With switches S. Si in the positions shown in Figure 2 electrical energy will be supplied to the left headlamp as follows: circuit element Gil, circuit element 6i, contact portion 62 or switch S6, circuit element 68 to filament U of headlamp L8. By means of circuit till, 83, 66 and 68 the filament ll of headlamp R3 will be energized. With the several switches in the positions shown in Figure 2 each oi the two headlamp filaments "U, U will thus be energized to provide an upper or driving beam.

With switches S and St in the positions shown in Figure 2 and with switch S3 in depressed position the electrical circuit to the left headlamp will remain the same as above described but that to the right hand lamp will be altered. In this instance the circuit will be as follows: 60, S3, 89, it! and ii to filament L in lamp Rt. Thus the filament U in lamp L3 and filament L in lamp will be energized. .it will be understood that portions 622, it and it of switch S4 are electrically insulated from each other. Likewise it will be understoodthat lamp L3 provides the right portion of the beam and lamp R3 the left portion thereof.

With switches S and S3 in the positions shown in Figure 2 but with switch S4 moved upward the circuit to the left headlamp L3 from switch S will be as follows: 69, S3, 65, 56, 63 thus enersizing filament U in said headlamp and the circult to the right headlamp will be as follows: 6t, ti, 62, ll, thus energizing filament L of lamp With switch S as shown in Figure 2, but with both of switches S3 and so moved to their other positions the circuits from the switch S to the left headlamp L3 is 60, S3, 69, l9, l2 while that -23 and 22.

to R3 is 60, 61,62, II. With this latter combination the filaments L, L of lamps R3 and L3 are energized and a lower beam is obtained.

From the above description it will be apparent that three arrangements or combinations of the headlamp beams may be obtainedby use of the switch S3 and selector switch S4. As will readily appear, the beam from the left headlamp]; will be directed upon and illuminate the right side of the highway and the beam from the right headlamp R3 will be directed upon and illuminate the left side of the highway.

As in the circuit of Figure 1 the minor filaments 4,4 of the side indicator lamps areadapted to act as side indicators with each of the'three beams of the front headlamps by means of circuits 25, I3, 14, 15. By moving switch S to parking position i the minor filaments also act as parking lights by means of circuits 16, l5, 14, 13, relay 25 preventing \current feed back to the headlamp circuits.

In Figure 3 the portions of the circuits from switch 8 to the headlamps R3 and L3 are the same as in Figure 1 and are represented by the same reference numerals. Thus in the positions of switches S and S3 shown in Figure 3 the filaments L, L of each headlamp will be connected to switch S by means of elements 9, S3, l0, Ii and I2 as will be readily apparent. In the other position of switch S3 both of the filaments U, U will be connected to switch S by means of the elements 3, S3, l4, l5 and l6.

In position I of switch S in Figure 3 the minor filaments 4, 4 of each side lamp R2 and L2 act as parking lights by means of circuits 24, 22, 23. In the arrangement shown the major filaments 6, 6 act as the front turn signal means and also as the meansfor "side marker indication with the upper beam to indicate to an approaching driver the width of the vehicle. The side marker indication is accomplished by means of element 16, relay 3|, elements 71 and 18 when switch S is in position 2 shown in Figure 3 and switch S3 is in its other position than that shown in Figure 3. With switches S and S3 in the positions of Figure 3 the minor filaments 4, 4 act as the side marker by means of relay 32 between circuit elements It and 24, current passing in one direction through relay 32 and circuit elements 24,

Relay 32 opens and prevents current feed back when switch S is in parking position I.

Relays 29 and 30 in side turn signalling means circuits 56, 60 and I1, 61 respectively permit the flasher signal current to pass in one direction to each of the major filaments G, 6.

Figure 4 shows the same general turn indicator setup and headlamp arrangement as Figure 2'. Corresponding portions of the headlamp circuit and turn indicator circuits are designated by similar reference characters. Two dash or other switches S and S4 in conjunction with the switch S3 permit a three-beam asymmetric lighting arrangement having driving, meeting and lower beams as in the construction of Figure 2. The major filaments 6, 6 of the two side lamps are adapted to give turn signals by means of flasher F and bulb G, switch SI and electrical circuits including relays 19 or 80. Relays 8| and 32 permit the major filaments to act also as a source of side indication in the driving and meeting beam and prevent the flasher signal current or other turn signal current from flowing to the front'headlamps. Minor filaments 4, 4 of the side lamps serve asa source of side indication in the lower beam and for parking, relay 83 preventing current feed back when used as a parking light.

Figures 5 and 7 illustrate asymmetrical threebeam lighting systems, each using a dash or steering column selector switch S5 in conjunction with a four point switch S6 which may be foot operated if desired. The position 84 of the selector switch indicates the country or driving position I in which filaments U, U of headlamps R3 and L3 are energized, while 35 indicates the city" position. By moving switch S6 to the other of its two positions the meeting beam will result. The meeting beam utilizes filament U of lamp L3 and filament L of lamp R3. It will be understood that headlamp L3 furnishes the source of light for the right hand portion of the beam and that lamp R3 furnishes the left hand portion. By arranging thecircuits as illustrated in Figure 5, the major filaments 6, 6 of the side indicator lamps serve as a source of side indication in the driving and meeting beams. In addition, the major filament acts as a source of turn indication with the directional signals.

The minor filament of each of the side lamps serves as a source of indication with the lower beam and as a parking indication when the selector switch is in the position 86 in Figure 5. Relays 81, 88 and 89 are arranged as will be clear from the drawing to prevent current feed back in the several switch positions. Each flasher or signalling circuit is arranged with a relay 90 or 9| which prevents current feed back into the signalling circuit from the lighting circuits.

The lighting circuit arrangement of the headlamps and switches therefor of Figure 7 are similar to Figure 5. The major filaments 6, 9 of either of the side or indicator lamps serve only as a source of turn indication. The minor filaments 4, 4 of the side lamps are adapted to act as a source of side indication with the several headlamp beam combinations. Relay 92 prevents current feed back when the switch S5 is in parking position 86 in which minor filaments are used as parking lights.

In Figures 6 and 8 I have shown the directional signal and indicating means in conjunction with two forms of headlamp lighting circuits whereby 'either asymmetric or conventional arrangements of headlamp beams may be had.

With the arrangements of Figures 6 and 8 and with switches S3 and S1 in the positions shown the two filaments L, L in the front headlamps will provide a lower or tilt beam by means of circuits 93, 94, 95, 96 thereto.

In the other position of switch S3 filaments U, U in the front headlamps will provide an upper or driving beam by means of circuits 91, 9B, 99, I90. This is the so-called conventional arrangement. By moving selector switch S1 to the other of its two positions the circuits to the headlamps are such that the asymmetric form of lighting results. In this position of switch S1 with S3 as shown the circuits to the headlamps from switch S will be S3, 94 to filament L of headlamp R3 and H0, 99, Hill to filament U of headlamp L3. With both switches S3 and S1 in their second position the circuits to the headlamps from switch S will be S3, 91 to filament U of headlamp R3 and H0, 99, I00 to filament U of headlamp L3.

In Fig. 6, the filaments 6, 5 of the lamps R2 and L2 serve as the source of indication in the driving and meeting beam and also as the directional signal. Minor filaments 4, 4 of lamps R2 and L2 act as the source of indication in the I lower beam of the headlamps and also as a R2 and L2 act as the signal for indicating a turn in direction along with lamps R4 and L4. Minor filaments 4, 4 of lamps R2 and L2 act as the side indicating means and also as a parking light. I have shown in Figure 8 connections whereby the filaments 4, 4 act as the side indicational means in all the beam arrangements of headlamps. If desired, however, I may connect the portion I0'I at the left of switch S3 at contact I08 or I09. If connected at I09 filaments 4,4 will act as a source of side indication with the lower beam and meeting beam only, while it connected at I08 the filaments 4, 4 will act as a source of side indication with the upper beam only. Electric valve, or relay, I06 prevents current feed back when the switch S is in parking position.

In the several described systems it will be seen that I have provided a means for side indication with desired beam arrangements of the headlamps of a vehicle and means associated therewith for signalling the intention of the operator that he is about to turn the vehicle. is preferably visible to others in both the front and rear by'means of the side and rear signalling means provided. Ii. desired, the signalling means may be automatically operated by having signal switcnSI arranged to be operated by movement of the steering mechanism. In each of the turn signalling circuits separate flasher means F and indicating bulbs G may be used ii. desired.

The several systems depicted in the drawings have been selected purely as illustrative examples. Numerous other arrangements will definitely appear to those skilled in the art upon familiarization with the concepts herein disclosed.

I claim:

An indicating lighting system for dirigible road vehicles comprising: a pair of headlamps, a pair of side lamps one closely adjacent each side mar"- gin of the vehicle and a pair of rear lamps, a source of electrical energy, and means subject to manual control for actuating said head, side and rear lamps to indicate the anticipated The signal manoeuvring oi the vehicle embracing such conditions as parking, turning, vehicle approach and passing, said last mentioned means consisting of a pair of incandescent filaments in each headlamp, bne for producing a high beam and the other for producing a low beam said high beam filaments being energized from a. common branch circuit and said low beam filaments being energized from another branch circuit which branch circuits are selectively energizable from a common trunk circuit. a major and a minor incandescent filament in each side lamp visible from the front of the vehicle, an incandescent filament, in each rear lamp, and selector switch means for simultaneously energizing either one or the other only of said major side lamp filaments in conjunction with a respective one or the other only ot said rear lamp filaments,

for energizing either the high or the low pair of filaments of said headlamps and for energizing the minor pair oi! said side lamp filaments independently or with a selected pair only of the headlamp filaments, said selector switch means comprising a three-position switch'element for connecting one, the other, or neither oi said ,major side lamp filaments (as well as a respective one, the other or neither of said rear lamp filaments) with said Source of electrical energy, a second three-position switch for selectively directly connecting either the minor side lamp filaments or said headlamp trunk circuit with said source of electrical energy, a two-position switch element for connecting one or the other branch circuit to said trunk circuit, means including an automatic unidirectional relay for energizing said minor side lamp filaments from said headlamp trunkcircuit only when said two-position switch eifects energization of said low beam handicap branch circuit and precluding feed-back into said low beam branch circuit when said second threetion of said minor side lamp filaments, and a flashing element in circuit with said first mentioned three-position switch element for insuring effective turn signalling from the major filaments of said side lamps even when the minor filaments of both side-lamps are energized from said low beam headlamp branch circuit through said relay.

. CLARENCE A. MICHEL.

position switch element is set for direct energiza- CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,205,502. 1 June 1;, 191m. CLARENCE A. MICHEL. It is herebfi certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numberedpatent requiring correction as follows: Page 14, second column, line 58, in the claim, for the word"h andicap read--headlanp-; and that the said Letters Patent shouldbereadwith this correction therein that the sane may conform to'thef record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this day of Jill A. D 191w.

Henry Van A redale, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent no, 2,203,502. June u, 191;,0. 4 CLAREN EA. MICHEL; It is hezfeb y certifisdthat error appears in the printed specification of the ahoysnumbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page sec- 0nd column, line 58, in the claim, for the word "handicap" read "headlamp";

and that the ssid Letters Patent should bereadwith this correction therein that the same may conform to thsfrecord of tho case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this day of July,' A. 1). 191m.

Henry Van A rsdale, (Seal) Aoting Commissioner of Patents. 

